Grants

The Abell Foundation awards grants to nonprofit community partners working to improve the quality of life in Baltimore. We provide seed funding for innovative pilots, support for ongoing community programs and services, and funding for capital projects. In addition to providing grant funding, the Foundation supports our nonprofit partners through connection to our local and national networks, as well as our team’s deep experience in and knowledge of Baltimore as it relates to our program areas.

Learn More About Our Process

Eligibility and Review Criteria

For all nonprofit organizations seeking grant funding, regardless of the request amount. 

Small Grants Process

For grant requests of $10,000 or less.

Reviewed on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.

Regular Grants Process

For grant requests greater than $10,000.

Reviewed at one of the Foundation’s five annual Board meetings.

Submit an Application

Considering Applying for a Small Grant?

If you have never received an Abell small grant (requests of $10,000 or less), you must attend an information session to confirm fit with eligibility criteria and funding priorities prior to submitting a small grant application. 

Sign up for an info session

Considering Applying for a Regular Grant?

First-time applicants with grant requests greater than $10,000 should submit a short letter of inquiry prior to submitting a regular grant application. For guidance on what to include in your LOI, please reference our frequently asked questions.

Submit an LOI

Ready to Apply?

If you are a returning applicant or have met our eligibility criteria and requirements and are ready to apply for a grant, you may do so on the apply page.

Start a Grant Application

Returning to a Saved Application or Submitting a Report?

Log into the grant portal below to return to your saved application or submit a report for a previously awarded grant.

Return to Your Application or Submit a Report

See Our Past Grants

New Vision House of Hope, Inc.

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward the payment of utility bills for two transitional houses that provide support for men in recovery.

Mayor’s Office of Information Technology

$53,200 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For the development and implementation of the CitiWatch Community Partnership program. The two components of this program include building a database of information gathered by security cameras for use in subsequent criminal investigations, and marketing the program to the community.

Marian House, Inc.

$100,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Two-year funding for support of transitional housing and supportive services for homeless women and their children. Marian House provides intensive services to ensure that residents benefit from recovery programs, tutoring, and GED preparation. It also aims to provide services that result in gainful employment and placement in permanent housing.

The Light of Truth Center, Inc.

$23,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
For additional costs related to the installation of a sprinkler system for a housing facility serving eight women recovering from addiction.

The Justice Policy Institute

$5,000 / 2012 / Criminal Justice and Addiction
Toward support of the 2012 Baltimore Neighborhood Re-entry Fair, which provides expungement services and other information to individuals who may not be familiar with the appropriate legal processes.

Header photo courtesy of Thread.